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Mom’s summer vacation!

Summer vacation is coming up and this means your kids will be around all summer.  Although you might miss your little cherubs during the school year, having them back at home can be exhausting.  So why not take a short break without them this summer?

Here are some suggestions for a Mom “ME” vacation along with some specials you just might be able to afford!

1. Take a 3 night cruise on the Norwegian Sky during the month of August.  Leave on a Friday from Miami and sail to the Bahamas.  You’ll be back on Monday and no one will miss you.  Prices start at $249 for an inside cabin and a $25 on board credit is available.

2. Occidental Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya is offering 44% off their deluxe rooms this summer.  Prices start at $87 per night per person for an all inclusive stay.  Tucked within an ecological and historical preserve, this magnificent beachfront resort captivates guests with spectacular grounds, a pristine coastline and unparalleled service. Guest receives discounted Xcaret Ecological Park entrance pass.  Must be booked by May 15. 2012.

3. Why not spend a few days in Vegas with your best mom friends? The Tropicana in is offering 20% off all their rooms this summer.  This package includes

• Reserved Seating for Two at their Award-Winning Pool
• Two General Admission Tickets to the Mob Attraction Las Vegas
• Priority VIP Check-in, 24-Hour Cancellation Policy, No Booking Fees or Change Fees, plus other great Breeze VIP Perks

Pricing is based on travel dates so please call us for pricing.  The Tropicana is also offering 50% off suite upgrades.

4. The Jewel Dunn’s River, an adult only all-inclusive in Jamaica is currently offering 30% off their summer bookings.  The Jewel is the Caribbean’s newest and most brilliant spot for a true luxury vacation, where the amenities are as superb as the service. Take advantage of the savings and splurge on one of our elegant butler-service suites—there’s no better way to renew the spirit after an exhausting summer with your kids!  Must be booked by 5/30/12.

5. How about a quick getaway to Italy?  For $969 (land only), you get the following:

• 4 nights stay in superior double room at Villa Il Patriarca
• 5 days car rental
• Breakfast daily
• 1 dinners at La Taverna del Patriarca, a typical Tuscan Osteria located in the old wine cellars of the villa (excluding beverage)
• English guided tour of an old wine cellar of Montepulciano*, renaissance town famous world wide for its Nobile wine
• Special Wine Tasting

A Mom Vacation in Portland, Maine

Living in New England is quite a treat! I can drive 1 hour in the winter and be skiing in the mountains or drive for three hours in the summer and be at the beach.  I was recently offered the opportunity to stay at the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa in Portland, Maine.  I haven’t been to the beach in a while, so I packed my bags, called my best girlfriend and we headed East towards sun and sand!

The Regency Hotel is located right in the heart of Portland.  It is situated in a Neo-Romanesque building that was once a state armory.  So there’s some history there.  Although the building is dated, the amenities are not.  This new hotel offers great service (coffee delivered to your door every morning!), modern facilities and two wonderful restaurants.  It’s also walking distance from Portland’s main attractions, shops and restaurants.  And not too far from Crescent Beach State Park.  For more information on all that Portland has to offer, visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Our room was very elegant, with a turret. Not all rooms have turrets, but some have unique features such as alcoves or fireplaces.  The room furnishings are traditional with modern touches such as flat screen TVs.  We ate at both restaurants during our stay.  Twenty Milk Street offers old world charm, with lots of chandeliers and a fireplace.  We had Sunday Brunch and I had the Lobster Benedict, which was to die for!

It wouldn’t be a mom vacation without a few cocktails!   The Armory Lounge, located downstairs, happens to be a pub frequented by locals, as well as guests.  Their extensive drink menu left me a little tipsy…I couldn’t decide which drink to have, so I tried a few!  The chocolate cake martini was like drinking a chocolate cake!  Pub fare is also available.  I tried the mussels, which were simply made in a white wine and herb sauce.

The Regency Spa has seven treatment rooms decorated in natural tones.  The spa also offers a sauna, Jacuzzi and Vichy showers.  My skin was in need of some rejuvenation after spending the summer outside, running after my two year old daughter.  I decided to try one of their spa packages, the Regency Organic Bliss.  This package includes a Saltmousse body glow, which is meant to rehabilitate your skin’s health and radiance.  I also had the Organic Stonecrop Facial and an eye repair treatment.  In between treatments, we relaxed in the Jacuzzi and steam room.  Overall, the spa services were excellent and left my skin healthy again.  A definite must for a mom vacation!

The Portland Regency offers a Girlfriend Getaway package, and will let you and 3 of your mom friends share a room to keep the cost down.  Prices for this one night  package start at $176.25 per person, based on quad occupancy.  This includes a full American breakfast or Sunday brunch, plus $100 spa credit. And you also get complimentary fruit, cheese and champagne!

To book this mom vacation, please cal us at (888) 802-7364 or fill out a contact form.

A Day at the Essex Spa

I turned 40 a few weeks ago.  As this very large number approached, I had various ideas about how I was going to celebrate.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have a huge party to tell the world that I’ve hit such a milestone.  Or if wanted to keep it on the low and just accept that I turned 40, then move on.  I decided to spend some time with myself and splurge on some spa treatments.  I had never tried the spa at the Essex, who just won a Seven Daysie for Best Spa in Chittenden County.  So I made an appointment for a hot stone massage (one on my favorite spa treatments!) and a pedicure.

Entrance

After dropping the kids off at the sitter, I had an Ah! moment when I realized that I’m now 40…and kid less  for a few hours!  As I walked  through the front door of the spa, all my anxiety about turning 40 was swept away.  I felt immediately relaxed.  As the receptionist led me into the the women’s changing and lounging area, I couldn’t wait to get out of my clothes to slip on a white fluffy bathrobe!

Changing area

The locker room area has everything available to guests.  The changing area offers lockers that lock with a digital combination, spacious changing cabins and extra towels.   There are also showers, furnished with shower gel and shampoo.  And if you need body lotion,  a hair dryer or hair spray, that’s also available.  These little extras elevate the Essex Spa to another level. You can also find other amenities such as a steam room and sauna for complete relaxation!

Women lounge area

The waiting area offers comfortable lounging chairs with a fireplace.  I happened to be there on a very hot July day and the fireplace seemed to be throwing some unwanted heat my way.  I found the temperature in the waiting area to be a little uncomfortable, but would be greatly appreciated on a cold day in January.  As I waited for my therapist to come fetch me for my hot stone massage, I read one of the numerous magazines provided.  There is also a selection of herbal tea, water, fruit and this yummy trail mix made by the Essex.

It was time for my massage and Meagan, my therapist, led me upstairs to a room where I felt immediately at ease.  I’m fairly picky with treatment rooms.  Some spas put a lot of money into the facilities but often forget to make the treatment rooms feel inviting.  I’ve had massages in treatment rooms that were too bright, too cold, looked slightly dingy or didn’t drown the noise out from the hallway.  The Essex Spa is barely over a year old and the feel of the spa is translated into their treatment rooms.  Obviously, everything still looks new but there’s also a sense of balance that helps you relax.  The lights are dimmed, the massage table has coordinating linens that are soft and the music is at the perfect level.

My hot stone massage was amazing, partly because I felt so comfortable in my environment.  Meagan spent a good amount of time using the stones, but added some deep tissue massaging that she felt  I needed.  Overall, my 80 minute treatment left me a bit like putty.  I’m a big fan of hot stone massages and this one was far superior than others I’ve had in the past.

Relaxation area

Once my massage was over, Meagan led me to a quiet relaxation room where I lay for a while with a warm blanket.  This relaxation room is an intermediate, quiet area where you can relax before returning to the main waiting area in the Women’s lounge.  The relaxation room is next to a social area, which also has a fireplace.  The social area, located upstairs, is a good place for a group to have lunch or socialize.  It’s also a common meeting ground if you are attending the spa with your male partner.

I ordered lunch from the restaurant menu.  There are two menus available for lunch: the one I picked from which offers sandwiches and burgers.  Or the healthier Bento Box menu.  The Bento Box is a Japanese-style lunch with a choice of protein and four sides.  The smoked salmon wrap from the restaurant menu sounded very appealing.  When it arrived, the wrap was filled with delicious piles of smoked salmon and was served with a side salad.

Smoked salmon wrap

After lunch, it was time for my pedicure.  My feet were in pretty bad shape.  I have been walking around in flip flops or barefooted for most of the summer.  My chipped nail polish gave away the amount of time that had elapsed since my last pedicure.  I made Erin, who gave me the pedicure, work hard that day!  The pedicure chairs are located in the full-service hair salon.  The zero-gravity chairs are comfortable, but don’t have an integrated massager.  Bummer, I really like those!  Unfortunately, the Essex Spa does not offer a deluxe pedicure with heel treatment, which is what I really needed.  I left with beautiful coral-colored toes and smooth heels!

After my pedicure, I had time to try the steam room before I had to head out to continue my birthday celebration.  This was a great day to spend a turning point in my life.  It was memorable and was the perfect mini mom vacation!  If you want to try out the Essex Spa, look out for Vermonter days where Vermonters get 40% off treatments.  These special days are usually posted on their Facebook Page.  All groups booked through the Moms on Vacation will also get 20% off at the spa.  So contact us to book your mom vacation at the Essex now!

The Essex-A Vermont retreat for moms

I was recently invited to take a tour of The Essex, Vermont’s culinary resort and spa, located in Essex, Vermont.  The resort holds a special memory for me.  The last time I visited the Essex was on a night out with my husband.  We had decided to have one last date before our second daughter was born.  It was a Saturday night and Butler’s restaurant, a premier dining restaurant located at the Essex, was hopping.  Halfway through my meal, I started to feel nauseous.  I waved the sensation away, attributing the feeling to the discomforts of being so pregnant.  I forced myself to finish my delicious dinner.  By the end of the meal, I was already feeling signs of oncoming labor.  My back was hurting and I was starting to feel contractions.  We skipped desert and headed for home.  My daughter was born the next day!

Since that last visit to the Essex, I had heard about their newly constructed spa and pool, but did not have the opportunity to see the new building.  I’m always on the lookout for great mom vacation ideas, so I took this opportunity to inspect the new installations.  After lunch at Butler’s Restaurant and Tavern , my host lead me to a separate building where the spa is located.  I immediately felt at ease when I walked in.  The reception area is modern and relaxing.  I was led through the women’s changing and lounging area.  The pale stone floor, the glass sinks, and the comfortable lounging chairs all exude tranquility and serenity.

The spa offers several amenities, including ten treatment rooms, a 25 yard lap pool, an outdoor hot tub, lounges and relaxation areas.  There is also a full service salon.  The spa menu has a variety of treatments including specialty massages like the Thai massage, body treatments that look exquisite and facials that target specific skin issues. There is also a movement studio with mirrors where yoga, Pilate’s and fitness classes are held.

After visiting the spa facilities, my host and I returned to the main building where we walked past the Cook Academy kitchen. The Essex is partner in education with the New England Culinary Institute and used to be a training ground for student chefs. Classes for young students formerly conducted at The Essex consolidated last fall at NECI’s campus in Montpelier. Cook Academy, inspired, owned and operated by The Essex, provides pre-eminent recreational cooking classes for adults and – during summer 2010 – youngsters on school vacation. The Cook Academy is a low-pressure, fun way to learn cooking techniques. The Essex publishes a monthly culinary calendar with classes held daily. However, they will also customize cooking lessons based on your group’s interests. The Essex recently built an additional, larger kitchen to accommodate bigger groups due to the Cook Academy’s increasing popularity.  This kitchen was not completed during my visit, but is now opened for cooking lessons.

Moms feeling a little bit more adventurous and who like a challenge can try out the zip line that is set up on the Essex grounds. A company called Northern Lights Rock and Ice offers a different experience that includes outdoor rock and ice climbing walls, dual 450 foot zip wires and adventure challenges.

The Essex customizes packages to meet all your mom vacation needs. If you want to enjoy the spa, a cooking lesson and a three course dinner at the the award winning restaurant, Butler’s, the Essex will arrange this package for you. If you can’t make a decision, the Essex has already customized some packages with varying interests in mind. The advantage to these packages is to save money by bundling services together. An example of a current package is the Spa Serenity which offers a one night accommodation, a 50 minute massage or body treatment, access to the spa and a spa lunch. The rate for this package is $401 per night for two people, based on double occupancy.

After my tour ended, I was impressed by the changes the Essex made in the last two years. They turned the resort into world-class amenities that offers something for everyone and that is a perfect spot for a relaxing mom vacation! I can’t wait to return and enjoy some of the services the Essex has to offer!

To find out more about the Essex and the packages offered, contact me at (888) 802-7364 or fill out a contact form.

A mom vacation at the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa

Turning forty can be considered a milestone in a woman’s life. I see that number approaching at a fast pace myself, since next July, I will be celebrating my fortieth birthday. My husband recently asked me to give him a list of my expectations for this day. Do I want some expensive jewelry? Do I want to go away for a romantic adventure without the kids? Do I want to get away by myself? So, I’m currently pondering the answer to this difficult question.

As I started to think about it, I remembered my best friend’s fortieth birthday party that I attended last year at the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa, located near Young Harris, in the North Georgia Mountains. Her DH organized this surprise birthday mom vacation, along with some of her girlfriends. All she had to was show up.

I flew in to Atlanta for this weekend celebration, leaving my husband behind with two kids for the first time. I was a little reluctant to go, since one of them had an pneumonia. And I did spend a part of the weekend on the phone with him, getting updates on her condition. He eventually told me to stop calling and start enjoying myself, because he was handling it.

Cottage Living Area

Our group of ten women drove about 70 miles north of Atlanta to the North Georgia Mountains on a rainy Friday afternoon in May. The weather didn’t look promising. Heavy rain showers throughout the weekend. We checked in to our rustic cottage, surrounded by mountains and nature trails. The Brasstown Valley resort offers 102 guest rooms located in the main lodge and 8 cottages with four bedrooms each. The size of the cottages is perfect to host your group of moms.  Our cottage had a beautiful main living area with a wood-burning fireplace, a small kitchen and fantastic views. This was the perfect setting for our mom vacation.

My friend, who had never been away from her three kids, was estatic! She kept telling us that this was the best weekend of her life, even before the weekend started! Her joy was contagious and all the moms present made the best of it, despite the heavy rain.

On Friday night, we had dinner at the lodge’s Dining Room and had their famous Friday Evening Seafood buffet. There was an abundance of crab legs, salmon and shrimp, all very fresh and tasty. We ate to our heart’s content, talking late into the evening. Many of the moms didn’t know each other, since we came from different parts of my friend’s life. We all had one thing in common. The desire to enjoy our freedom away from our children. Many of us had never left our children for long periods of time. Others travelled for business, which is usually more stressful than staying home. After dinner, we all started to relax and let reality sink in. We didn’t have to wake up to take care of our kids the next day. So we just drank more wine!

Ranch views

We woke up to a very rainy Saturday. Some of us had planned to spend the day at the Equani Spa. But a large group of moms had booked a horsebackriding trek through the mountains. The Brasstown Resort has its own stables on the property and offers five miles of trails. I was one of the more adventurous moms who hopped on a horse and took a guided tour through the muddy trails in the pouring rain. It was cold and the view was obstructed by heavy fog. But we all had a great time stepping out of our comfort zone doing something we couldn’t normally do with our kids in tow.

Birthday cowgirl!

The equestrian moms joined the other moms at the spa for an afternoon of relaxation. The Equani Spa takes inspiration from the Cherokee people. The treatments boast an assortment of rituals designed to stimulate and resfresh the mind, body and soul. Moms lounged around in plush bathrobes in the waiting area. This area offers lounge chairs and a large fireplace. Light snacks can be ordered. An assortment of teas and fruit juices are also available.

Moms in our group were all very happy with their treatments and found the spa staff very professional. Popular treatments were the hot stone massage and the Simply Sugar Spa Manicure and Pedicure. This mani/pedi uses raw cane sugar to scrub away dead skin cells. My heels never looked so good! We left the spa feeling relaxed and with our toes painted various shades of red. Meanwhile our husbands were probalby scrubbing various shades of red markers from the walls! But that was far, far away in our mind.

We celebrated my friend’s birthday at the lodge Dining Room that evening. The restaurant offers A la Carte dining on Saturday night. The food was excellent, with choices ranging from filet mignon to fresh seafood. We all went back to our cottage, started a fire and watched a slide show of my friend’s first forty years, which her sister had put together as a surprise!

We left the Brasstown Valley Resort the next day feeling refreshed and ready to face the life we had left behind for a brief period. The sun did come out on Sunday and we got to see the beautiful mountain views the resort is known for. My friend said that this was the best birthday ever! As I reflect back on this weekend, maybe I will tell my husband I want a mom vacation for my fortieth birthday!  To plan your mom vacation at the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa, please fill out a Contact Form or call the Moms on Vacation Travel Club at (888) 802-7364.

Mountain views

Why taking a break from your kids is important

Do you remember the first time you found out you were pregnant? You probably experienced all sorts of emotions ranging from joy to fright. But then you had 40 weeks to adjust. Although some of those 40 weeks were probably laced with nausea, back pain and all other discomforts that accompany pregnancy, you were still in a peaceful environment, living a quiet life with your partner. Then the labor pains began (or in my case, the c-section was scheduled) and somehow you knew your life was about to change. But you didn’t exactly know how yet.

When your baby is finally brought to you after delivery, you go through a whole range of emotions again. But this time it’s different because you actually have to take care of your newborn. Reality hits when you go home from the hospital (or even before, if you had a home birth). The demands of a newborn can be overwhelming, especially for first-time moms.

What struck me after I had my first child was that being a mom is the hardest thing I ever did. You are on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No exceptions. My three year old recently woke me in the middle of the night, crying. When I went to her, she cried “Mommy, there’s a booger stuck to my finger”. I looked at the clock…it was 3:30 am. I felt angry. I didn’t know how to react. Why am I up at this time again for a booger? When is this going to end? It doesn’t end. You’re a mom for life.

As I adjusted to my new life, I realized that there are things that I can do to help ease some of my frustrations, not to mention get a good night’s sleep. I’m thankful that I have a wonderful, supportive husband who understands the importance of taking a break once in a while. He hangs out with his buddies four to five times per year for a weekend and I take mini vacations with my friends.

After I left my kids for the first time to attend my best friend’s fortieth birthday getaway, I rediscovered the person I used to be. The carefree woman who didn’t worry about whether she packed enough snacks for the kids or if the baby was finally going to sleep through the night. And with me was a group of women who all felt the same way. We laughed, drank wine, slept in, got spa treatments and relaxed. We all walked away feeling like we needed this. I came home from this weekend feeling refreshed, more patient and a better mom. If you have never taken a break from your kids before, you might want to try it. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Just check in to a local hotel with some of your girlfriends, go shopping, go to a museum. In other words, do what you want to do. Most of all, spend time with yourself, the self you used to be. You deserve it! You may think you can’t afford it. Or your partner may not want you to go. Whatever the reason, you have the power to make it work.

I love my children and all the joy they bring me. The other night, as I kissed my daughter and told her that the booger patrol made the booger go away, I thought about how my life has changed forever. However, when I take a mini vacation without them, I can remember the person I used to be. That person is still there. I just need to go to a place where I can find myself again, a place where my children are in my thoughts, but not in my presence!

Moms on Vacation at the Euro Spa!

Let’s face it! Vermont is a cold place in the winter. Our kids seem to recycle colds, ear infections and pneumonia. After dealing with sick kids for the last month, I needed to get away to a place where no sick kids are allowed. The weekend trip to the Euro Spa in Stanbridge, Quebec, couldn’t have come at a better time.

Five moms joined me on this trip. One mom had been working overtime at her job and dealing with her sick two year old. The other had two kids with a stomach bug, and then caught it herself. Two of the moms had never been away from their children before. One mom had been extremely busy with her two teenage daughters’ basketball tournament. The other mom has four kids. Need I say more? It was amazing to see all these moms pull it together for a relaxing weekend at the Euro Spa!

The Euro Spa has a very rustic feel when you walk in to the lobby. The accommodations are comfortable, but not luxurious. The rooms have all the basic necessities, but could use some updates. However, we did not spend much time in our rooms. After we checked in, we changed in to our bathing suits and put on white fluffy robes. We were then led to the spa. A feeling of relaxation immediately set in during our tour.

The Euro Spa has undergone a make-over since my last visit three years ago. The large pool area has been updated with new tiles and lots of tropical plants. The soaking tubs have been moved to the pool area. A new relaxation area has been added on with comfortable chairs and pillows. The improvements were meant to keep the waiting and relaxing area seperate from the pool area and to create better flow.

All the women were very happy with their treatments and found the Euro Spa staff to be helpful and professional. Since we all had two or three treatments scheduled throughout the day, our group didn’t catch up with each other until the end of the day. We all gathered to soak in the multiple hot tubs infused with different beneficial herbs. We soaked in the pine bath, the mud bath and the vanilla bath. There is also a salt water bath. We didn’t dare try the outdoor hot tub. It was only four degrees outside and involved maneuvering the cover off in our bathing suits! We talked about our treatments, what we liked the best and the least.

We met up in the restaurant for a nice dinner and some drinks. The dinner was buffet-style with a European flavor. The spread included some smoked salmon, a large cheese platter and lobster tails. There was also a generous salad and desert bar. Some of us ended our day by going to bed early to catch up on sleep. Others stayed up to talk over cocktails. At breakfast the next day, all moms asked me when the next Euro Spa trip was going to be organized! Everyone felt relaxed and ready to face their sick kids! This trip was a nice break during a long Vermont winter.

The price for this Euro Spa package is $254 (US dollars). It includes one night accommodation, a one hour massage and a 30 minute treatment. It also includes three delicious meals. To book your mom vacation at the Euro Spa, call (888) 802-7364 or fill out a contact form.

Testimonials:

“The Euro-Spa trip was a much needed getaway. This is the first time I have been away from my daughter and I really enjoyed the peace and quiet that Euro-Spa offered. I found the staff to be professional, friendly, and helpful. They made me feel comfortable and at ease during treatments. The spa was relaxing and invigorating.”–Heidi H., mom to 1 year old

“Just want to say thanks again to Caroline for such a wonderful time at the Euro Spa this past weekend. It was my first spa experience, and it could have not been better. I will definately go back……”–Rema P., mom of 3

A Vegas Mom Vacation at Mandalay Bay

I landed in Las Vegas after catching the red-eye flight for a long weekend with some of my friends. I left home in the middle of the night, already feeling tired from being up with my three year old daughter for the past three nights due to a fever. I felt some remorse about leaving her with her dad to go to Sin City, but I knew she was in good hands. I arrived in Vegas feeling pretty tired and didn’t know how I was going to survive in the city that never sleeps.

The last time I had visited Las Vegas was about fifteen years ago, while road tripping with some of my girlfriends through the Utah and Arizona canyons. Vegas, at the time was on the verge of a makeover, with new casinos popping up and old one being torn down. This recent trip revealed the evolution of a city that has become so popular for everyone, including moms looking for a different type of vacation. But can one really relax in Las Vegas amongst the constant casino noise and the endless partying opportunities? I was about to find out.

None of the women in our group were interested in gambling. We opted to stay at THEhotel, which is part of Mandalay Bay, because it offered a spacious suites for our group of 15 women. THEhotel is a boutique hotel that offers luxury and comfort for your mom vacation. The one bedroom suites are modern, equipped with 42″ plasma TVs and wet bars. We had reserved the H suite, a 1674 sq ft suite with a large sitting area for socializing. Other ammenities include a 14,000 sq ft spa, the Bathhouse. The Bathhouse is a unique spa experience with multiple soaking pools and tubs.

Since THEhotel is part of the Mandalay Bay complex, we had access to the Mandalay Bay facilities, including the famous Mandalay Bay Beach, where we spent most of our days. This water complex offer a wave pool, a lazy river and lots of real white sand. For the ultimate pool experience, we reserved two adjacent beach bungalows equipped with a wet bar and lounging couches. We no longer felt like moms, but more like rock stars! After spending our first day in Vegas lounging by the pool, my energy was starting to be replenished. Since we were all tired from being moms, our first night was spent in our suite. We ordered room service, watched movies and talked. We didn’t feel the need to go out and experience the Vegas nightlife yet.

Our second day was spent at the Bathhouse spa, enjoying a few spa treatments. I decided to opt for a soaking bath, the AROMAPOTHECARY SCENTUAL BATHING. This 25 minute bathing session is a true aromatherapy bathing experience that left my skin silky soft! After a day at the spa, we all felt rejuvenated and were ready to hit Vegas hard for some dinner and nightlife. We opted to eat off the strip at a Thai restaurant recommended by one of the moms in our group. The Lotus of Siam is by far the best Thai food I ever had! If you like Thai food, don’t miss out on the opportunity to eat at this restaurant. We then headed back to our hotel, where we had arranged with our concierge for V.I.P. access to Mix Lounge. Going out on a Saturday in Las Vegas means long waiting lines, unless you are a group of women. You can talk to your hotel concierge about V.I.P access to your hotel clubs. The entrance fee to the club is cheaper if you’re staying at the hotel where the club is located. We spent most of our time outside on the 64th floor balcony sipping delicious drinks and watching the Strip in action on a Saturday night.

Our last day in Las Vegas was spent shopping and walking up and down the strip. We returned to the Mandalay Bay Beach late afternoon to relax one last time before leaving Las Vegas the next day. That night, some of us saw a Cirque du Soleil performance, Ka, with discounted tickets purchased through Tix4Tonight.com. Others checked out the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, a giant 1.6 million gallon aquarium with various sharks and other aquatic predators.

After arriving in Las Vegas feeling tired and worn down, I didn’t think I would leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. But spending time lounging by the pool and spa at Mandalay Bay with my best girlfriends was the cure that I needed for my tiredness. And we never made it to the casino. Who said Las Vegas is only for gamblers?

Our budget for this 3 day weekend was kept under $700. Although our experience in Las Vegas seemed luxurious, the cost is divided by the number of women in your group, making it more affordable. Many Las Vegas hotels are deeply discounted right now because of the low occupancy rate.